2003 Radio and ipod?

[mickeyblueyes]

Does the 2003 radio have a spot in the back to plug a aux plug in for a ipod, or do we have to buy a new radio? I do not want a FM transmitter. thx

 

[DaveHess]

My 2003 RBN did not have an AUX on the back. I bought a Sony stereo whose model number now escapes me. Anyhow, it has the green lighting and I have the capability of AM/FM, CD, AUX, and USB port. I bought a Sony 8GB thumb drive and and loaded all my music on it (7. 6GB) and haven't heard the same song in I don't know how long. Also comes with a remote and 52wx4 peak power. All of this for about $249 installed.

 

[Road Dog]

If the deck has a SOURCE button then it has a CD changer connector on the back. There are aftermarket interface modules that make the iPod look like a really big CD changer. You can check you vehicle/radio combo at Crutchfield .

If your deck has a cassette then you can use a cassette adapter. I find it a bit noisy because of the tape motor but in a Diesel it's not a problem.

You can use an FM modulator to add an AUX input. It connects between the antenna and radio to provide an FM channel while disconnecting the antenna. Not as good as a direct input but better than an FM transmitter on the dash.

The last two solutions don't provide power to the iPod. Newer iPods need 5V charging so an aftermarket car deck with iPod support is the best way to go. If you go that route get something with a big display (at least 4 lines by 16 characters) so you can see the artist/title info.

 

[DaveHess]

If the deck has a SOURCE button then it has a CD changer connector on the back. There are aftermarket interface modules that make the iPod look like a really big CD changer. You can check you vehicle/radio combo at Crutchfield .

I looked into this also. To me it meant having to find a location for a box either under or behind the dash and a cable that would always be hanging out or in the glove box. The only time I have a cable now is the AUX or the USB with my kids' iPod and I can put that away. There are several of these box type ones out there. Some can be configured to allow the factory radio CD changer controls to run the iPod and some can be configured to allow the iPod total control (passenger control as Sony calls it). BTW, I am using a Sony MP3 player not an iPod. the Sony also will charge my MP3 player if I use the MP3 cord from my home computer and plug it into the USB port on the Sony head.



My only point to my posts is I did a lot of researching because I was insistant I wanted to keep the factory stereo in place. I found the Sony unit to be an excellent replacement with gobs of features and an excellent addition to my dashboard. Haven't missed the factory unit a single bit.

 

[bighammer]

I had thought about replacing mine, but found an adapter that connects to the OEM stereo. With it under the floor console, the cord is long enough to have the iPod connector in my armrest. It's nice becasue it charges the ipod, I can skip or repeat songs with the steering wheel buttons. I can open the armrest and change to what I want easily.

 

[PMcColley]

Pacific Accessories Corporation would be my first stop for any OEM stereo integration. They have designed options for adding amplifiers, iPods\iPhones or just plain old aux inputs and many other things like interfacing an aftermarket stereo with your factory steering wheel controls. Go to their products list and input your vehicle type. Make sure to read the descriptions closely they will help to identify the type of radio you have installed and tell you if it works or not. If your not sure call them.

Check them out at iPod Integration for your car and More by Pac-Audio - Connecting you to the future once you find the part you can order it there or google around for better prices and even check with your local shops as many installers carry or can order the parts for you.